A hissing blowhole, legendary hike and thriving market

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Nounou Mountain, also known as Sleeping Giant, lies between Wailea and
Kapaa, and offers several hikes, including the popular 3.6-miles East
Trail. (Tor Johnson/Hawaii Tourism Authority)

Giant waves erode lava rocks on the Kauai coastline. Over time, they can
create narrow openings, like the one called Spouting Horn. (Daeja
Fallas/Hawaii Tourism Authority)

Keep your eye on the surf spray at Spouting Horn, one of the most visited
natural wonders on the island of Kauai. At high tide it can reach several
stories high. (Daeja Fallas/Hawaii Tourism Authority/Daeja Fallas)

The century-old Kong Lung Market Center was once a general mercantile for the Kilauea Sugar Plantation and its workers. Today, it’s home to galleries, boutiques and eateries, including the Kilauea Bakery and Pau Hana Pizza, which has its own small lending library. (Jackie Burrell/Bay Area News Group)

The historic Kong Lung Market Center was once a general mercantile for the Kilauea Sugar Plantation and its workers. In 1902, the plantation owners rented a building to Lung Wah Chee, who opened a market that included not only general supplies, but a post office, a barber shop and a diner. Today that center houses galleries, eateries and boutiques, such as Kong Lung Trading, Lotus Gallery and Coconut Style, which carries batik-print robes and bed linens. (Jackie Burrell/Bay Area News Group)

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The costs of getting to and staying in Kauai can add up fast. But making memories on the Garden Isle doesn’t have to be spendy. Take a break from the snorkeling lessons and seafood feasts to explore the island’s incredible natural wonders and cultural offerings at no charge. Here are three of our favorite free activities, from Spouting Horn and Sleeping Giant to the Kong Lung Historic Market Center.

Spouting Horn

In the Koloa district on Kauai’s South Shore, you’ll find a scenic blowhole that’s one of the most striking natural wonders on the island. Sea sprays occur when powerful Poipu waves are forced under the lava shelf and up through an opening in the rocky coast. Depending on the tide, the water can shoot as far as 50 feet into the air. We glimpsed a rainbow in the plume of water right before sunset.

It’s spectacular to watch and difficult to capture, so put down the iPhone and enjoy it. And be sure to listen, too. The phenomenon creates a hiss or roar with roots in Hawaiian legend. Long ago, a giant mo’o, or lizard, named Kaikapu got stuck in the blowhole while chasing a brave swimmer named Liko. To this day, you can see and hear Kaikapu’s angry breath.

The look out, which provides free parking, is also a great spot to look for whales during humpback season, which runs from December to May.

Sleeping Giant Hike

You’ll spot this slumbering figure, also known as Nounou Mountain, from several vantage points in the town of Kapaa. The ridge got its name from its resemblance to a reclining green figure and a local legend about a giant who has yet to wake from his food coma. The East Trail is a 3.5-mile moderate-to-difficult hike located in the Nounou Forest Reserve, which is lush and brims with wildflowers and guava trees year round.

The trail, which provides plenty of shaded forest and views of Kalepa Ridge and Wailua Bay, features steady ascents and switchbacks with sweeping ocean vantages. Be wary of mud, which can make some of those turns and narrow drops slippery. The trail ends on the chest of the giant, where you can enjoy lunch at a picnic shelter with beautiful views of the Wailua River and, on a clear day, Mt. Waialeale crater.

Details: Sleeping Giant East Trail is located on Haleilio Road. From Kapaa, go south along the Kuhio Highway (Highway 580), then head east on Haleilio Road. The trail starts at a parking area adjacent to the Department of Water pump site.

Kong Lung Historic Market Center

Located minutes from the Kilauea Lighthouse, Kong Lung is one of the North Shore’s dining and shopping hubs, with 11 unique eateries and shops. Start with tropical danishes and lattes at Kilauea Bakery & Pizza then wander through the century-old buildings, taking in contemporary art at Black Dog Gallery & Goods and hand-painted bedding and sarongs at Coconut Style & Tugu.

To understand the significance of the historic market center, which was once a general mercantile for the Kilauea Sugar Plantation and its workers, check out the Photo Retrospective exhibit about life in the area pre, during and post-plantation era. It features more than 15 large outdoor displays with images and details. End your day with sips and eclectic small plates at the chic Palate Wine Bar.

Jessica Yadegaran is a writer and editor for the Bay Area News Group's Eat Drink Play section, which is devoted to all things food, wine, cocktails, and travel. She also spent two years in the Pacific Northwest as the food and dining editor for Seattle magazine. Yadegaran has a degree in journalism from San Diego State University and has been with the Bay Area News Group for more than 10 years.

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